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To be a woman in the professional world is accompanied by its fair share of challenges. But to be a woman atop an industry initially designed for men is arguably a different type of difficulty.
Major League Baseball has existed for well over a century and in that period of time, only a handful of women have held crucial leadership roles. In 2019, Rachel Balkovec was named the first female minor league manager by the Tampa Tarpons. In 2020, Kim Ng broke barriers in baseball when she was named general manager of the Miami Marlins. And just last year, when Caroline O’Connor took the helm as president of Business Operations for the Marlins, the South Florida team became the first in history to have two women simultaneously run the day-to-day operations.
O’Connor first joined the franchise in 2017 before climbing the ranks. While she didn’t begin her professional career in the sports realm, she quickly proved herself through her passion and quick study.
Although having all eyes on her proved nerve-racking at first, O’Connor said she was determined to be successful and pave the way for more women to hold positions of power in the sports industry.
As president of Business Operations, O’Connor is in charge of everything from sales and marketing to community outreach and ballpark facilities.
Although being delineated first in any aspect can be grueling, O’Connor is aware of the weight she carries on her shoulders and does not shy away from it.
She credits the Miami Marlins for being diverse in their hiring process and choosing the best candidate for the job, despite mitigating factors.
With a role at the top of an organization that has faced attendance challenges historically, O’Connor said she doesn’t think people are waiting for her failure. She pointed out the double-digit attendance increase in 2022 and noted she was blessed to be surrounded by a supportive fanbase that is rooting for her to succeed. And while her story generated a lot of publicity she felt proud to share in the weight felt by the other women who broke barriers in baseball.
“You do get those letters from people that have been inspired or given the confidence to apply for a role in sports that they wouldn’t have otherwise, so in that way, it makes me feel really good,” O’Connor said.
In a world where women have historically had to fight harder to have their voices heard or to hold positions of power, this Women’s History Month, those who have chipped away at the glass ceiling continue to be honored. Caroline O’Connor may be among the first, but she assures she will not be the last.
“I want women and girls to know they can do anything they put their mind to. Don’t say ‘no’ to opportunities. When I took on this role, I didn’t have the ‘on paper’ background, but I wasn’t scared to take a chance.”
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